Trump’s campaign website temporarily ‘seized' by hackers, say reports

Tech observers say it was likely a scam to collect cryptocurrency

Donald Trump’s election campaign website briefly ‘seized’ by hackers (donaldjtrump.com)

Donald Trump’s election campaign website was temporarily “seized” by hackers, according to reports.

A message appeared on the president’s website that stated “this site has been seized” and the hackers claimed to have information that proved his ‘manipulation’ of the election.

Mr Trump’s website experienced difficulties at 7.20pm ET but was working normally again by 7.45pm ET.

The hackers posted a fake FBI-style seizure warning and claimed to have hacked various of Mr Trumps devices that in turn had allowed them “full access” to the president and his family.

“Strictly classified information is exposed proving that the Trump gov is involved in the origin of the coronavirus,” the hacker’s post read.

“We have evidence that completely discredits Mr Trump as a president, proving his criminal involvement and cooperation with foreign actors manipulating the 2020 elections. the US citizens have no choice.'”

Mr Trump’s website was briefly taken offline to be fixed.

Tech observers say that the hack appeared designed to collect cryptocurrency.

"Earlier this evening, the Trump campaign website was defaced and we are working with law enforcement authorities to investigate the source of the attack," said Trump campaign communications director Tim Murtaugh. 

“There was no exposure to sensitive data because none of it is actually stored on the site.”

The hackers used two “Moreno” addresses, a cryptocurrency that is easy to send but hard to track, according to website techcrunch.com.